Microsoft hires UK chief

Microsoft has promoted director of enterprise marketing, Oliver Roll, to the new position of marketing director for the UK, in a consolidation of the company’s marketing operations.

The move means Shaun Orpen, director of corporate marketing, will not be replaced when he leaves the company next month. Previously, Orpen and Roll split senior marketing responsibilities, but Orpen’s corporate work will now be part of Roll’s remit.

It is the first time Microsoft has had a single marketing director and marketing team overseeing its six UK divisions: productivity marketing, server marketing, enterprise marketing, partner marketing, corporate affairs and marketing services.

Roll will lead a team of 100 marketers and deal with the company’s 20 advertising agencies. He will be responsible for increasing revenues and customer loyalty. Among his first tasks will be overseeing the marketing of software packages Office XP and Windows XP.

He says: “Bringing all marketing activities together will create greater synergies and value for the company and its customers.”

Roll joined the company in 1992 and has held a variety of senior marketing positions, including senior product manager for Microsoft Office.

Orpen is leaving Microsoft without a job to go to after 13 years at the company, but will continue to work as a member of the corporate development board of the NSPCC (MW May 24).

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